Lionel had known for a while that Saul worked with Summer because he liked her. He had a decent understanding of Saul as a person. He knew that Saul was reliable.Seeing how much Saul cared about Summer, Lionel couldn't help but secretly want to play matchmaker.He chuckled. "Saul is really thoughtful. I've eaten with you twice, Summer, but I never remembered your preferences! Saul, you're so attentive."Saul smiled awkwardly.In truth, Summer had already suspected for some time that Saul might have feelings for her. Lionel's comment practically confirmed her suspicions. This was something she absolutely did not want to happen."He's always been meticulous," Summer said with a slight smile."But not toward just anyone," Lionel added.Summer didn't want to continue the topic and steered the conversation in another direction instead. "By the way, for Escape From the Asylum, I want to hire a professional team for the art design."Lionel nodded. "Absolutely! I'll go look for a good
Saul simply smiled without responding.Lionel suddenly remembered something. "Crap! I forgot I had something to tell Summer. Stay right here. I'll catch up with her!"Before Sault could say anything, Lionel ran out of the room.Summer was just about to get into her car in the parking garage when Lionel caught up with her. "Summer, I forgot to tell you something.""Why did you run over? You could have just given me a call," Summer said helplessly as she looked at Lionel panting from the exertion.Lionel had no idea what to say about that. He'd been so excited today that he got carried away."Go on. What is it?" Summer asked."It's about Power Construction that you mentioned before," Lionel said in a serious tone. He continued, "They're moving faster than I expected. They've even set up a company just like us and seem to be preparing to use the two games I mentioned to you last time to take part in a bidding meeting next month by Power Construction.""Mr. Sullivan Senior from P
What possessed Janice to act the way she did? Wouldn't it have been better if she had just left Summer alone?If Janice had just done that, she would have gotten everything she wanted. She would be basking in the spotlight at that moment."She brought this on herself," Summer said."That's exactly what I said!" Lindsey replied."How's the situation with your new place?" Summer changed the topic."Mr. Cohen's friend found me a place near the school. It's a three-bedroom duplex on the top floor. It even has a rooftop garden! I brought my grandma over, and she loved it! She's already talking about growing vegetables and flowers in the garden," Lindsey said with great excitement."That's great." Summer nodded."The housing prices there aren't cheap, and I didn't want to spend all my money, so I didn't actually have much hope to start with. It's all thanks to Mr. Cohen. He saved me a few hundred thousand dollars from my estimations," Lindsey said happily.She added, "But after some
Summer went to the restroom. When she came out, the entire sky above the school had been dyed in red by the setting sun. She stood there and looked around.She had been back for so long, but she never took a proper look at the school. This was the first hell of her past life.She had been pushed into the fountain, locked inside the bathroom, had her homework thrown away, and found insects and trash stuffed into her desk drawer…Those memories now felt like a dream that was slowly fading into the distance."I'm finally leaving." Summer took a deep breath and stretched."Summer." As if to ruin the moment, Anthony appeared out of nowhere.Summer looked at her. "How did you get in?"Anthony adjusted his glasses. "I came back to grab some things. Congratulations!""Congratulations to you, too, Anthony," Summer said.Anthony's expression paled for a moment."Summer, I know you know things aren't as they seem," he said."I don't care," Summer replied coldly."I will prove myself t
"Not telling you," Summer said. Though, it would be stranger if she did know which bakery it was from.But thinking about it, the cake was probably made by Mason's own chef, right? The craftsmanship on this chestnut cake was exceptional, after all.That night's dinner was the happiest one the Hartford family had had in the past six months.Around the same time, the news report of Summer's interview aired. Due to her being a major heiress and her incredible results, she started trending online right after the broadcast.This delighted some people. Mason, Saul, Terrence, and a few others were incredibly proud.Of course, there were those that were infuriated as well. Of those were Carol, Janice—who knew she had scored well—and those wealthy ladies who were laughing at Summer. Of course, there was also Rose, who was living abroad at that moment.In a dimly lit room, the air was thick with the stench of medicine.Rose was curled up on a couch with half her face wrapped in bandages
Lindsey was stunned for a moment. "You're joking, right?""What? Do you think you can't do it?" Summer looked at her.Lindsey started to shake her head before she quickly nodded. "The people who work in Eridanus should all be amazing. The art in After School was really incredible!"Summer patted Lindsey's shoulder. "Not as incredible as you. Alright! I've got nothing else to say here. Get some rest. I'll head back now.""Wait a bit. My grandma went out to buy groceries. Why don't you have some food before you leave?" Lindsey tried to stop Summer.She was still in a daze. She had been prepared to take on freelance jobs to support her and Mary, but she never expected such a massive opportunity to just fall on her lap.Summer politely declined Lindsey's offer and left. When she got in the car, she remembered what Henry had said to her before.The more kindness one put out in the world, the more it would come back one day. Lindsey was basically the first act of kindness she did afte
"Alright! I won't disturb you anymore. Have fun!" Henry was clearly flustered.He had called just to see if Summer was home or not. Ever since that morning, the possibility of Summer being in a relationship had popped into his head, causing him to feel uneasy."I'm already out. I'm heading home now." Summer paused for a moment. "Are things busy at the company? If they aren't, I can pick you all up after work.""Great! Come over!" Henry replied.Then, he hung up.Summer drove right to Hartford Group.Ever since the security guards and the reception failed to recognize her the last time, both departments had undergone emergency training. So, this time, the moment she got out of her car, a security guard rushed up. "Ms. Hartford, welcome!"Summer was startled. "There's no need to be so formal."The security guard acted like he didn't hear her as he followed closely behind her and even pressed the elevator button for her.Summer looked helpless, but she couldn't refuse him, either
Henry was one of the earliest entrepreneurs of his generation. Back then, society wasn't so disorganized. Veteran businessmen also valued morality and ethics.But Summer knew very well that ethics was easy to talk about nowadays, but only contractual agreements truly mattered."I understand what you mean, Grandpa. That's why I said we should retain the right to claim damages. When it comes to reputation risks, it refers to scandals that harm societal values or severe product issues that cause major harm to users," Summer patiently explained.After a pause, she said, "If that happens, it's entirely their fault. There's no need to talk about ethics with people like that."Henry was deep in thought for a moment. "You're right."Summer said, "That's why you should just add the clauses. Even if you don't do it now, I'll add them when I take over Hartford Group anyway."Henry looked at Summer and feigned anger, gently patting her arm. "You little brat, are you threatening me now?""I'
"So you're with Eridanus." Anthony smiled. His expression seemed warm, but Summer could feel the disdain and arrogance underneath it.Anthony was always like that. He always put on an act in front of everyone."Yes." Saul nodded."I've met your representative, Mr. Simmons, before." Anthony was clearly trying to hint to Summer that a marketing director wasn't anything special.Saul nodded with a smile before he asked Summer, "Have you had your breakfast? Do you want me to get my assistant to buy some for you?""I had my breakfast at home," Summer answered."That's good. It's quite hot outside. Let's talk inside," Saul said.Summer nodded. Then, she brought Lindsey right into the building.Anthony stood in place with his fists clenched tightly after being ignored like that.He had heard quite a lot about Eridanus lately. Eridanus was working with Hartford Group, so he immediately jumped to the conclusion that Saul was aiming for Summer because of Summer's status. He was using th
Summer stayed up all night writing her script. She had only slept for two hours before her alarm rang.That morning, she needed to take Lindsey to Eridanus. It was a good excuse to check out the company as well. She hadn't been there since it opened. She picked up her phone to see a message from Mason. Hesitating for a moment, she decided to give him a call.The phone rang for a while before someone answered."I was up all night writing a script and didn't check my phone. I just woke up," Summer mumbled."Who are you?" A woman's voice was heard on the other end."Cynthia, give me the phone!" came Mason's voice."Mason, you have another woman now? My sister died because of you, and you've moved on to another woman?" the voice shouted.After a shriek, the call was cut off.Summer's drowsiness vanished instantly. As she sat on her bed, she suddenly had the absurd feeling like she had been caught cheating."Ms. Hartford, are you up?" Phoebe asked outside her room after she sat o
That night, Janice got drunk again.Anthony received a call and rushed over. Seeing her in such a state, Anthony knew he couldn't let her go home. So, he brought her to a hotel.Janice grabbed his collar and demanded, "Anthony! When the hell are you going to finish your damn game? You said you'd get revenge on Summer! Now look at her. She's the top scorer! She's an heiress! And look at me!""You're doing fine. So, you should really stop drinking," Anthony said.Janice was very pretty, and she had a great figure, too. Anthony was never exactly a gentleman. With her clinging onto him like this, something in him snapped."Let me go!" Janice started to struggle.But Anthony had no intention of letting her go. They were already engaged anyway. No matter what happened, what could Janice possibly do to him?…The next morning, Janice woke up with a splitting headache. Memories of the previous night came rushing back. She sat up immediately and saw Anthony stepping out of the bathroom
"If I really did make a scene, we'd be on the front page of the news tomorrow. I even thought of the title for them, 'Heiress to a Financial Empire Has a Mysterious Background. Online Rumors Claim that Grandpa is Actually Dad!'" Summer shrugged.Luke couldn't help but laugh at that."By the way, I said I'd sue that lady who kept on saying I cheated on my SATs at the Dincht residence that day. So far, it just looks like all talk and no action. Dad, could you help me sort it out?" Summer asked sweetly."Alright. I'll have the legal team draft the paperwork tomorrow," Luke replied."Dad, you're the best!" Summer exclaimed."Alright. I'll go over to your mom. You should keep Grandpa company." Luke ruffled Summer's hair.Summer agreed, and they parted ways.When she got back to the car, Henry was already snoring. She pulled out her phone and saw a missed call from Mason.Then, she remembered what Luke said that afternoon.After some thought, Summer sent him a message. "I'm with Gra
"Where did you even hear all this?" "The sources are reliable, I swear!"Just as they were chatting away, a cool voice came from behind, "Oh? Is that so?""What the heck?" Turning around, they laid their eyes on the exact woman they had just been gossiping about."Ms. Hartford, what are you doing here? If you're looking for the restroom, it's that way." A curly-haired woman, Peggy Sue, was the one who had sworn her information was credible. Her lips twitched awkwardly. "So, tell me. Where did you hear all this? I'll help you verify whether the information is reliable or not," Summer asked slowly."Ms. Hartford, she said it! We had nothing to do with it…" the others hurriedly said."It's not what you think! I was only joking around. There are plenty of ridiculous rumors around. Please don't take it to heart," Peggy blurted out, glaring at the others. They were all just happily listening to her gossip just now, but they were so quick to throw her under the bus when something hap
Summer lowered her gaze. "That's wonderful. I hope I can have a husband as good as Dad in the future."Henry said firmly, "You definitely will. I'll keep an eye out for you. Any bad man won't even get close. I'll beat them away with a big stick!""Alright!" Summer grinned, linking her arm through Henry's.A vague memory resurfaced at that moment. Back then, Henry adamantly refused Summer's marriage to Anthony. He really had tried his best to chase Anthony away, just like he said. In the end, Summer was the one who let herself down."I'll definitely listen to you, Grandpa. I won't want anyone that you say is no good," she promised.Henry patted the back of Summer's hand. "You are the best granddaughter I could hope for. Don't be in a rush to find a husband. We're not like other financial conglomerates, marrying off their children just to strengthen business ties."When you choose a husband, the only thing that matters is whether he treats you well, loves you, and whether you lov
"He's always flying around everywhere. Isn't that normal?" Henry scoffed.Luke suddenly dropped his serious demeanor. "There's a small rumor. Do you still remember his fiancée who passed away unexpectedly?""Didn't you just mention her?" Henry didn't seem inclined to interrupt Luke."Well, that accident took a lot of lives, including her family members. I heard her sister was seriously injured and ended up in a vegetative state. Mason sent her overseas for treatment. I'm guessing his sudden trip has something to do with that," Luke explained.Henry frowned.After a long time, he said, "Luke, I'm starting to think you have way too much free time lately."Luke was confused."Do you even have the time to dig up gossip?" Henry's gaze turned serious."Dad, it's not what you think. Dad, we're still at the company. Don't do this, Dad! Summer, save me!" Luke cried out.Just like that, the father and son pair started chasing each other around the office.Summer sat on the couch. She d
Henry was one of the earliest entrepreneurs of his generation. Back then, society wasn't so disorganized. Veteran businessmen also valued morality and ethics.But Summer knew very well that ethics was easy to talk about nowadays, but only contractual agreements truly mattered."I understand what you mean, Grandpa. That's why I said we should retain the right to claim damages. When it comes to reputation risks, it refers to scandals that harm societal values or severe product issues that cause major harm to users," Summer patiently explained.After a pause, she said, "If that happens, it's entirely their fault. There's no need to talk about ethics with people like that."Henry was deep in thought for a moment. "You're right."Summer said, "That's why you should just add the clauses. Even if you don't do it now, I'll add them when I take over Hartford Group anyway."Henry looked at Summer and feigned anger, gently patting her arm. "You little brat, are you threatening me now?""I'
"Alright! I won't disturb you anymore. Have fun!" Henry was clearly flustered.He had called just to see if Summer was home or not. Ever since that morning, the possibility of Summer being in a relationship had popped into his head, causing him to feel uneasy."I'm already out. I'm heading home now." Summer paused for a moment. "Are things busy at the company? If they aren't, I can pick you all up after work.""Great! Come over!" Henry replied.Then, he hung up.Summer drove right to Hartford Group.Ever since the security guards and the reception failed to recognize her the last time, both departments had undergone emergency training. So, this time, the moment she got out of her car, a security guard rushed up. "Ms. Hartford, welcome!"Summer was startled. "There's no need to be so formal."The security guard acted like he didn't hear her as he followed closely behind her and even pressed the elevator button for her.Summer looked helpless, but she couldn't refuse him, either